### Canadian Ostrich Cull: A Controversial Response to Avian Flu Outbreak In a significant and controversial move, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed the culling of all ostriches at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, following a prolonged legal battle over a bird flu outbreak. The cull, which involved the humane shooting of the birds by a professional marksman, was executed to comply with a 10-month-old order aimed at controlling the spread of avian influenza. The farm's owners had contested the cull in court, arguing that the remaining ostriches showed no signs of illness and should be spared. However, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the CFIA's decision, leading to the execution of the cull on November 6, 2025, amidst public outcry and protests from animal rights advocates and the farm's owners [https://apnews.com/article/oshtrich-cull-bird-flu-canada-cbef6e65b570bbc91a790b4817e02777][https://www.sootoday.com/national-news/gunshots-herald-ostrich-cull-after-police-limit-access-to-british-columbia-farm-11457852]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Cull Order** - The CFIA issued a cull order on December 31, 2024, after detecting avian influenza at Universal Ostrich Farms. - The farm's owners contested the order, claiming their birds were healthy and should not be killed [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-ostriches-fate-in-hands-of-supreme-court-with-cull-decision-imminent/article_51413d89-d8df-5f6b-8781-c3ebc16260f5]. 2. **Legal Proceedings** - The owners sought legal recourse, culminating in an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, which was ultimately denied [https://www.grainews.ca/daily/b-c-ostriches-culled-cfia-confirms]. - The court's decision allowed the CFIA to proceed with the cull, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity in protecting the poultry industry [https://www.smallfarmcanada.ca/news/supreme-court-upholds-cfia-ostrich-cull]. 3. **Execution of the Cull** - The cull was carried out on November 6, 2025, with gunshots reported as the operation commenced [https://www.sootoday.com/national-news/cfia-says-ostrich-cull-will-go-ahead-after-high-court-decides-it-wont-hear-appeal-11451773]. - The CFIA confirmed that all ostriches were humanely shot and that the operation has now moved to the disposal phase [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/british-columbia/gunshots-herald-ostrich-cull-after-police-limit-access-to-british-columbia-farm-11457852]. 4. **Public Reaction and Implications** - The cull has sparked significant public outcry, with protests from animal rights groups and the farm's owners, who labeled the action as "murder" [https://www.therecord.com/news/canada/cfia-says-ostrich-cull-will-go-ahead-after-high-court-decides-it-wont-hear-appeal]. - The incident raises questions about animal welfare, biosecurity measures, and the balance between agricultural practices and ethical considerations [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/canada-ostriches-cull-bird-flu-b2860191.html]. ### Summary of Findings **The culling of ostriches in British Columbia represents a complex intersection of agricultural biosecurity and animal rights.** 1. **Background**: The CFIA's cull order was a response to an avian flu outbreak, with legal challenges from the farm owners ultimately failing [https://www.grainews.ca/daily/b-c-ostriches-culled-cfia-confirms]. 2. **Legal Proceedings**: The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the appeal allowed the CFIA to proceed with the cull, emphasizing the need for biosecurity [https://www.smallfarmcanada.ca/news/supreme-court-upholds-cfia-ostrich-cull]. 3. **Execution**: The cull was executed on November 6, 2025, amid public protests and significant media coverage [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/british-columbia/gunshots-herald-ostrich-cull-after-police-limit-access-to-british-columbia-farm-11457852]. 4. **Public Reaction**: The event has ignited discussions on the ethical treatment of animals and the responsibilities of agricultural authorities [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/canada-ostriches-cull-bird-flu-b2860191.html]. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between agricultural practices aimed at disease control and the ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare.